Hyderabad beats Delhi on first innings to win Ranji Trophy.

On March 26, 1987, cricket fans witnessed an exhilarating clash between Hyderabad and Delhi in the finals of the Ranji Trophy. It was a historic moment as Hyderabad emerged victorious, beating Delhi on the first innings. This incredible feat left spectators in awe and cemented Hyderabad’s position as the champion of the prestigious domestic cricket tournament.

The Ranji Trophy, which began in 1934-35, is India’s premier first-class cricket tournament. It has a rich history of showcasing talent, providing a platform for aspiring cricketers to make a mark and take their career to greater heights. The 1986-87 finale was no exception, showcasing some remarkable performances and enthralling cricketing action.

The match took place at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi, which was filled with passionate cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipating an intense battle. Delhi won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to set a formidable target for Hyderabad. However, the determined Hyderabad bowlers showcased exceptional bowling skills, causing constant trouble for the Delhi batsmen.

Under the leadership of their captain, Arshad Ayub, Hyderabad’s bowling attack displayed impressive discipline and accuracy. Talented bowlers like Abdul Azeem, Kanwaljit Singh, and Shivlal Yadav used their skills to break through Delhi’s batting lineup. The consistent pressure and relentless efforts from the Hyderabad bowlers led to Delhi being bowled out for a modest total of 206.

Despite some resilient batting performances from Delhi’s Ajay Sharma, who scored a valiant 93, and Surinder Khanna, who contributed 40 runs, Hyderabad’s bowlers held their ground and prevented Delhi from posting a challenging total. The wickets were shared among the bowlers, with Kanwaljit Singh and Shivlal Yadav taking three wickets each.

After restricting Delhi to 206, Hyderabad’s turn to bat arrived with the intention of building a solid foundation and taking an advantage in the first innings. The opening batsmen, Azharuddin and Anwar Khan, provided a promising start, putting Hyderabad in a strong position. Azharuddin, who went on to become an iconic Indian cricketer, displayed his batting prowess and notched up a brilliant half-century.

The foundation laid by the openers set the stage for Hyderabad’s middle-order batsmen to capitalize on the momentum. Arshad Ayub, the captain, led from the front with a magnificent century, exhibiting his versatility as a cricketer. His knock of 109 runs not only solidified Hyderabad’s position in the match but also showcased his ability to perform under pressure.

Other notable contributions from Kanwaljit Singh (52) and Vijay Mohanraj (45) ensured that Hyderabad maintained their dominance over Delhi. The match came to an end on the fourth day, and Hyderabad declared their first innings at an impressive total of 380 for the loss of eight wickets, taking a substantial lead over Delhi.

With a lead of 174 runs in their first innings, Hyderabad had a firm grip on the match. Delhi, needing to chase down the target to secure victory, faced an uphill battle against Hyderabad’s formidable bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Delhi’s batsmen in the second innings, Hyderabad’s bowlers continued to display great skill and determination.

Eventually, Hyderabad’s comprehensive victory in the Ranji Trophy final was sealed with Delhi being dismissed for 359 in their second innings, falling short of Hyderabad’s total by 21 runs. Hyderabad’s bowlers once again played a crucial role, with Kanwaljit Singh and Shivlal Yadav providing the breakthroughs needed to secure victory.

The match between Hyderabad and Delhi in the 1986-87 Ranji Trophy final will forever remain etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts. It was a testament to the talent, skill, and dedication of the players involved. Hyderabad’s triumph showcased the power of teamwork and determination, establishing them as deserving champions of the prestigious tournament.